About Us

Members of Bangalow Landcare group 2010

Bangalow Land and Rivercare Group was formed in 1998 by a few locals who were concerned with water quality and algal blooms in Byron Creek which had caused a large fish kill downstream from the junction of Maori and Byron Creeks. The initial reaction was to blame the sewerage treatment works located 2 km away on Maori Creek.

Representatives from the Department of Land and Water suggested there were many contributing factors resulting in the poor condition of Byron Creek and its tributaries. They advised us to form a Landcare group to manage the overall catchment area.

After holding a public meeting our group formed consisting of a core membership of approximately 10 to 15 families. We work on public and private projects, which will be listed in more detail under Current Projects. Over the past five years we have fenced off and regenerated over 3 kms of creek frontage with indigenous rainforest trees.

Aims

The aims of our group are to repair the Riparian buffer zone along approximately 6 kms of Byron Creek from the Bangalow Showground to Binna Burra. Vegetation along rivers (Riparian Zone) plays an important part in total catchment management by maintaining and improving the quality of our rivers and creeks. Most creeks when depleted of their vegetation will nearly double in width and become significantly more shallow. Creek bank erosion and sedimentation bring this about. Clearing, trampling by stock and camphor laurel roots causing undercutting and bank collapse are all contributing

factors to stream bank erosion in our area. Appropriate native riverine vegetation prevents this from occurring by strengthening the banks with their binding root systems. Riparian vegetation also shades out weed and algal growth. The creek will flow deeper and cooler if shaded with riparian buffer zones. Overhanging trees reduce evaporation and increase its oxygen holding

Well vegetated riparian zones can act as a buffer between the watercourse and adjacent farming land, trapping pollutants and reducing run off from gullies etc.

Planting local species has other benefits including providing a seed source for natural regeneration as well as a food source and habitat area for wildlife.

Membership

Landcare like most groups is underfunded so memberships are one way we can help ourselves to pay for the materials we need. Memberships are kept to a minimum and are yearly $25 per family or $15 single. Membership means you covered by our insurance when working on our sites and your contact details will be added to our list (upon your approval) so activities can be advised and other members contacted.

To become a supporter please see ‘Patrons to the Environment’ page. memberships/donations to: